my blog

I have just returned from an extraordinary month researching and filming Anandwan in Maharashtra, Central India.

Anandwan is an inspiring community which was founded in 1949 by renowned social activist, Baba Amte, for people with leprosy. Anandwan has pioneered the medical treatment and rehabilitation of leprosy patients.

Today Anandwan is home to 3,500 residents. These include leprosy patients and their families, visually and hearing impaired children who receive an education there, people with other physical disabilities, as well as volunteers who have dedicated their lives to the community.

Anandwan empowers each individual to live a productive and full life, and as a result is almost self sufficient in food and services. Residents are taught practical skills to contribute towards the community and earn a livelihood. Anandwan welcomes people from all over India who have been rejected by their societies and restores their dignity and self-respect. I am currently very excited to edit the film which will tell the remarkable and moving personal stories of people whose lives have been transformed by Anandwan.

Cataract Eye Surgery Camp While at Anandwan, I also had the privilege to meet and interview eye surgeon, Dr Tatyarao Lahane, who holds the world record for performing 100,000 cataract operations. I am also making a short film about Dr Lahane and his assistant, Dr Ragini Parekh, about the annual eye camp they run at Anandwan free of charge, which enables thousands of people who would otherwise not be able to afford the operation to regain their sight.